Derby Electrical Company handles electrical repairs, installations, and upgrades for homeowners, landlords, property managers, and businesses throughout Derby and the surrounding Sedgwick County area. Whether you have a dead outlet in a rental unit, a panel that can't keep up with your home's load, or a commercial space that needs new circuits, the work gets done. You're talking to someone who knows the area and the homes in it. We're available every day from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
Call (316) 294-4289 for a quote.
A flickering light and a full rewire start the same way, with someone who can trace the problem back to its source and tell you plainly what it will take to fix it. Electrical symptoms are easy to notice and easy to misread, so we start with a thorough look before we touch anything.
Here are some of the most common problems we see and what they typically mean:
We treat your home and its wiring the way we would our own, which means we don't skip steps and we don't move on until we understand what caused the problem. GFCI and AFCI protection, arc-fault and ground-fault breakers, and proper grounding are part of what we check during any diagnostic visit.
We trace the fault. We fix the wiring. We restore the power.
Good electrical work isn't complicated, it's just done right, and that means matching the right solution to the actual job rather than cutting corners to get out faster. Below is a breakdown of the installation and upgrade work we handle day to day.
We install and replace standard outlets, GFCI outlets, and AFCI outlets throughout the home. GFCI protection is required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and exterior locations. AFCI protection is required in bedrooms and living areas in most modern code applications. We also handle dimmer switch installation, light switch replacement, and light fixture installation and replacement. All outlet and switch work is done to current code, with proper grounding and bonding verified before we leave.
Ceiling fan installation involves more than swapping a fixture. We confirm the box is rated for a fan's weight and motion, run the wiring correctly, and make sure the switch or remote is set up the way you want it. For lighting, we handle recessed lighting installation, LED retrofits, and under-cabinet lighting installation. Recessed lighting in particular changes how a room feels and how well it functions, and we plan the layout before we start cutting.
We handle outdoor lighting installation, landscape lighting, security lighting, and motion sensor light installation. Exterior lighting needs weatherproof fixtures, correct wire ratings for outdoor runs, and properly sealed junction boxes. We make sure the installation holds up to the elements and meets code for exterior circuits. Call us and the rest is handled.
Large appliances need their own circuits. We install dedicated circuits for dryers, ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, and other high-draw equipment. That includes 240-volt and 220-volt outlet installation, dryer outlet installation, and range outlet installation. Every dedicated circuit starts with a load calculation to confirm the panel can support it without overloading existing circuits.
Older homes in Derby and across Sedgwick County sometimes still have aluminum wiring or knob-and-tube wiring. Both present real risks when left unaddressed. Aluminum wiring expands and contracts differently than copper, which loosens connections over time. Knob-and-tube has no ground conductor and often lacks the capacity modern loads require. We handle full and partial rewires, aluminum-wiring remediation, and knob-and-tube replacement. Wiring work is checked against code before sign-off on every job.
The homes and wiring in this area have their own quirks, and the Kansas climate adds a layer of demand that older electrical systems weren't always built to handle. Four-season weather, severe thunderstorm seasons, and the real possibility of tornado-related outages make the following upgrades worth knowing about.
Many Derby homes were built with 100-amp panels that made sense at the time but can't carry the load of a modern household. EV chargers, heat pump circuits, updated kitchen appliances, and finished basements all add demand. A 200-amp service upgrade gives the panel the headroom to handle it. We handle the full scope, including service-entrance work, meter coordination, subpanel installation where needed, and load calculations to confirm the upgrade is sized correctly. If you're wondering what a panel upgrade costs, the price is confirmed on the call before anything is scheduled.
Kansas severe weather and tornado season create genuine power-outage risk. A backup generator with a proper transfer switch keeps the lights on, the sump pump running, and critical circuits live when the grid goes down. We handle generator hookup and transfer switch installation for whole-house and partial-load setups. The transfer switch is the key piece: it isolates your home's wiring from the utility line so the generator can power the circuits safely. If you want to know what a transfer switch installation runs, ask on the call and we'll give you a straight answer.
Lightning and grid fluctuations are common in this part of Kansas. A surge protector plugged into the wall protects one device. A panel-level whole-home surge protector guards every circuit in the house, including appliances, HVAC equipment circuits, and electronics. We install surge protection at the main panel, and we give you a plain answer on repair versus upgrade when the question comes up. It's one of the more straightforward upgrades you can make, and it covers everything downstream from the panel.
Staying ahead of electrical problems keeps your home safe, and that applies whether you own a single-family house, manage a portfolio of rental units, or run a commercial space. We work across all of those.
For homeowners, we handle everything from a tripped breaker to a full rewire. For landlords and property managers, we respond to tenant-reported problems, bring units up to code after a failed inspection, and handle the electrical side of turnover work. For businesses, we install circuits for equipment, upgrade panels for added load, wire new office or retail buildouts, and handle code-violation repairs.
We also work on additions, remodels, and new construction. If the project involves adding square footage or reconfiguring a space, the electrical needs to be planned from the start, not added as an afterthought. We show up ready to wire, whether that means roughing in a new addition or finishing out a basement with proper circuits and outlets.
Leave the breakers to us.
An electrical inspection gives you a clear picture of what a system is doing and what it isn't. We conduct home electrical safety inspections for homeowners who want to know what their wiring looks like, for buyers who need an assessment before closing, and for sellers who want to get ahead of issues before the sale. We also handle post-renovation inspections and inspections tied to code-violation notices.
A thorough inspection covers the panel, visible wiring, grounding and bonding, outlet and switch conditions, GFCI and AFCI protection, and any obvious hazards. If you're buying an older home in Derby, it's worth knowing what the wiring looks like before you close. If you want to know what an inspection costs, ask when you call.
We tell you if a permit is needed. We name the fault plainly. You decide the fix.
A Level 2 EV charger runs on a 240-volt dedicated circuit and charges most electric vehicles overnight rather than over several days. We handle the full installation, from running the circuit to mounting the charger in the garage or on an exterior wall. If the panel doesn't have the capacity to support the added load, that's part of the conversation before we start. A load calculation tells us whether the existing panel can handle it or whether a panel upgrade needs to happen first. If you want to know what EV charger installation costs at your address, call us and we'll get you a number before anything is scheduled. We get to the bottom of the problem fast.
Don't let a small wiring issue turn into a fire risk, and don't let pricing uncertainty keep you from making the call. Electrician costs vary by job, and we don't expect you to know the rate before you call. What we do is give you the price on the phone before anything is scheduled, and we tell you what it covers.
Whether you're asking about the cost to replace a circuit breaker, what it takes to add an outlet, what recessed lighting installation runs per fixture, or how much it costs to rewire a house, we answer the question directly. The price for a ceiling fan installation, outdoor lighting, or a generator transfer switch is confirmed before the work begins.
No guesswork. No shortcuts. No loose ends.
We look at the panel for signs of overheating, corrosion, improper breaker sizing, and whether the panel has enough capacity for the home's current load. The service entrance and meter connection are checked for condition and code compliance. If the panel needs repair, replacement, or a capacity upgrade, that is explained before any work is quoted.
A panel upgrade starts with a load calculation on the call to confirm what size service the home needs. From there, we coordinate the service-entrance work and meter connection with the utility and schedule the installation. A rewire is scoped circuit by circuit, and the work is planned before the first visit so the job moves in the right order.
We take calls every day from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
For urgent electrical faults, burning smells, or situations where power is out and the cause is not a utility outage, call (316) 294-4289 and we'll tell you what is available.
Ask about the schedule when you call and we'll give you a straight answer on timing.
If an outlet, switch, or appliance is sparking or producing a burning smell, turn off the breaker for that circuit if you can do so safely. Do not use the affected outlet or switch in the meantime. If the smell is strong or you see any discoloration or smoke, leave the area and call us from a safe location.
For most jobs, yes. Someone needs to be available to provide access to the panel and the affected areas, and to answer questions if the scope changes once the wiring is opened up. If your situation makes that difficult, mention it on the call and we can talk through what the visit will require.
GFCI protection is required by code in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoor areas, and anywhere a circuit is near water. AFCI protection is required in bedrooms and living areas in most current code applications. We check GFCI and AFCI protection as part of any outlet or circuit repair, because arc-fault and ground-fault conditions are often what is behind the symptom a customer calls about in the first place.
A breaker trips when a circuit is drawing more current than the breaker is rated for. That can mean the circuit is overloaded, a device on the circuit has a fault, or the breaker itself is failing. A breaker that trips repeatedly under normal load, or one that will not reset, is telling you something specific, and the right answer is a diagnostic visit rather than repeated resets.
Homes built before the 1980s were wired for smaller loads and fewer devices. A panel sized at 100 amps with circuits designed for a handful of outlets per room was adequate then, but not for a household running multiple computers, large kitchen appliances, and EV chargers. Adding circuits and upgrading the panel are the practical answers, and we scope both on the call.
A repair addresses a specific fault in a circuit or device. A rewire is the right answer when the wiring itself is the problem throughout the home or a section of it, such as with knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum branch-circuit wiring, or wiring that has deteriorated past the point where patching makes sense. We give a plain answer on repair versus rewire before anything is scheduled.
Every circuit and device is tested after installation to confirm it is working correctly and wired to current code. Where a permit was required for the job, the work is checked against code before sign-off. We do not leave a job until the work has been verified and any questions about what was done have been answered.
Derby Electrical Company handles repairs, panel upgrades, lighting, ceiling fans, EV chargers, backup generator hookups, surge protection, and electrical inspections throughout Derby and Sedgwick County. We're open every day from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
If you have an urgent electrical problem, a planned upgrade, or a question about a symptom you've been putting off, call now. We cover the full range of residential and commercial electrical work, and we give you a straight answer on what it involves and what it costs before we schedule anything.
No guesswork. No shortcuts. No loose ends.
Call (316) 294-4289 for a quote.
Below is a breakdown of the electrical work we handle for homes, rentals, and businesses in Derby and across Sedgwick County. Each service is listed with what it covers, who it fits best, and a practical note to help you know what to expect before you call. If you have a question about a specific job, call us and we will walk through what it involves and give you a price before anything is scheduled.
| Service | Scope of Work | Ideal For | What to Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wiring & Circuit Installation | New circuit runs, Circuit additions for remodels, Wire gauge and breaker sizing, Code-compliant rough-in and finish | Additions, remodels, workshops, or any space that needs circuits added or reconfigured | New circuits require a load calculation to confirm the panel can carry the added demand without overloading existing wiring. |
| Ceiling Fan Installation | Fan-rated box confirmation, Wiring and switch setup, Remote and wall-control configuration, Replacement of existing fixtures | Homeowners replacing a light fixture with a ceiling fan or swapping out an older fan | A standard light-fixture box is not rated for a fan's weight and motion. We confirm the box before installation and replace it if needed. |
| Breaker & Fuse Repair | Breaker replacement, Tripped or stuck breakers, Fuse panel assessment, Double-pole breaker service | Homes where a breaker trips repeatedly or will not reset under normal load | A breaker that trips repeatedly is a symptom, not the whole problem. We check the circuit load and wiring condition before swapping hardware. |
| Dedicated Appliance Circuits | 240-volt circuit installation, Dryer and range outlet installation, Refrigerator and dishwasher circuits, Load calculation included | Homeowners adding a large appliance or replacing one that keeps tripping the shared circuit | High-draw appliances need their own circuits to run safely and efficiently. We size the circuit to the appliance before pulling wire. |
| Electrical Safety Inspections | Panel and service-entrance review, GFCI and AFCI protection check, Grounding and bonding assessment, Outlet and switch condition survey | Buyers, sellers, landlords, or homeowners who want a clear picture of what their wiring is doing | An inspection before closing on an older Derby home can surface wiring conditions that are not visible during a standard home inspection. |
| Older-Home Rewiring | Knob-and-tube replacement, Aluminum wiring remediation, Partial and full rewires, Code compliance verified before sign-off | Owners of pre-1980s homes with original wiring that no longer meets safety or capacity needs | Aluminum branch-circuit wiring loosens at connections over time. Knob-and-tube has no ground conductor. Both are worth addressing before adding load to the home. |
| Outlet & Switch Installation | GFCI and AFCI outlet installation, Standard outlet replacement, Dimmer and smart switch installation, Grounding and bonding verified | Homeowners adding outlets, upgrading to code-required protection, or replacing worn devices | GFCI protection is required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas. AFCI protection is required in bedrooms and living spaces under current code. |
| Electrical Panel & Service UpgradesMost Popular | 100-amp to 200-amp service upgrade, Subpanel installation, Meter and service-entrance work, Load calculation and utility coordination | Homes adding EV chargers, finishing a basement, or running modern appliances on an undersized panel | Many Derby homes were built with 100-amp panels that cannot support today's household load. A 200-amp upgrade gives the panel headroom for current and future demand. |
| Backup Generator Installation | Transfer switch installation, Generator hookup and wiring, Whole-house and partial-load setups, Utility isolation confirmed | Homeowners in areas with severe weather or tornado-season outage risk who need critical circuits to stay live | The transfer switch isolates your home from the utility line so the generator powers circuits safely. We handle the hookup and wiring, not the generator unit itself. |
| Lighting Installation | Recessed lighting and LED retrofits, Outdoor and security lighting, Motion sensor lights, Under-cabinet and landscape lighting | Homeowners updating interior lighting or adding exterior lighting for security and curb appeal | Outdoor runs require weatherproof fixtures and correctly rated wiring. We plan recessed layouts before cutting to avoid placement problems. |
| Whole-Home Surge Protection | Panel-level surge protector installation, Full-circuit coverage, Protection for appliance and HVAC circuits, Straightforward upgrade with lasting value | Homeowners in areas with frequent lightning or grid fluctuations who want to protect electronics and appliances | A surge protector at the panel covers every circuit in the house. A plug-in strip only covers the one device plugged into it. |
| Electrical Repairs & Troubleshooting | Dead outlets and switches, Flickering or dimming lights, Burning smells and sparking devices, Circuit fault tracing | Any homeowner, renter, or property manager dealing with an electrical symptom they cannot explain | A burning smell or persistent sparking warrants a call without delay. We trace the fault before recommending any repair or replacement. |
How do I know if my home is ready for an EV charger, or if the panel needs to be upgraded first?
A Level 2 EV charger runs on a dedicated 240-volt circuit and draws a steady load every time the car charges. Before we run that circuit, we do a load calculation to see what the panel is already carrying. If there is room, we add the circuit directly. If the panel is already close to capacity, we talk through a panel upgrade before the charger goes in. We give you that answer on the call so you know what the project involves before anything is scheduled.
What does a whole-home surge protector actually cover, and is it worth adding?
A panel-level surge protector sits at the main panel and guards every circuit in the house, including outlets, appliances, and the circuits that feed HVAC equipment. A plug-in surge strip only covers what is plugged into it. In an area like Derby where lightning and grid fluctuations are common through storm season, a panel-level device is one of the more practical upgrades you can make. We install them as a standalone job or alongside a panel upgrade.
What are the risks of leaving aluminum wiring or knob-and-tube wiring in place?
Aluminum branch-circuit wiring expands and contracts at a different rate than the devices and terminals it connects to. Over time that loosens connections, which creates heat and increases the risk of arcing. Knob-and-tube wiring has no ground conductor and was sized for loads far smaller than what a modern household runs. Neither is an immediate emergency in every case, but both are worth addressing before adding circuits or appliances that increase the load on wiring that was not designed for it.
Faults Traced Before Anything Is Replaced
We start with a thorough look at the circuit and the symptom before we recommend a repair. Replacing hardware without understanding the cause leaves the underlying problem in place.
How is backup generator sizing handled, and what does the hookup involve?
Generator sizing depends on which circuits you need to keep live during an outage. A partial-load setup covers critical circuits like the sump pump, refrigerator, and a few lights. A whole-house setup covers the full panel. We handle the transfer switch installation and the wiring that connects the generator to your home's circuits. The transfer switch is the piece that isolates your home from the utility line so the generator can run safely. If you already have a generator and need the hookup wired, we handle that too.
Can a warm outlet or a buzzing switch wait, or does it need attention right away?
A warm outlet or a buzzing switch is worth calling about promptly. Both can indicate loose connections, overloaded wiring, or a failing device inside the wall. Heat and arcing at a connection point are the conditions that lead to wiring fires, and those conditions are not always visible from the outside. If the outlet or switch is also discolored, producing a smell, or sparking, treat it as urgent and turn off the breaker for that circuit while you wait for a visit.
How does pricing work, and when do I find out what a job will cost?
We give you the price on the phone before anything is scheduled. You tell us what you are dealing with, we scope the job based on what you describe, and we give you a number along with what it covers. If the scope changes once the wiring is opened up, we talk through it before we proceed. You are not agreeing to a blank check when you book the visit.
Code-Compliant Work on Every Job
Every installation and repair is done to current code, with grounding, bonding, and protection requirements verified before we leave. Where a permit is required, the work is checked before sign-off.
What is involved in adding circuits for a workshop, garage, or home addition?
Adding circuits starts with a load calculation to confirm the panel has the capacity to support the new demand without overloading what is already there. From there, we run the circuit from the panel to the new location, size the wire and breaker to the intended load, and install the outlets or connections the space needs. If the panel does not have room, a subpanel or service upgrade becomes part of the conversation before we pull wire.
How long does a panel upgrade typically take from start to finish?
A standard panel upgrade is usually a one-day job, though the timeline depends on the scope. Service-entrance work and meter coordination with the utility add steps that are scheduled in advance. We walk through the timeline on the call so you know what to expect before the job is booked. Where a permit is required, the inspection is scheduled as part of the process and the work is checked before sign-off.
Scope Agreed Before the Panel Is Opened
We confirm what the job involves and what it costs before any work begins. If the scope changes once wiring is opened up, we talk through it with you before we proceed.
What does grounding and bonding mean, and why does it matter in older homes?
Grounding gives fault current a safe path back to the panel and out to the utility, which is what trips the breaker during a fault instead of sending that current through a person or appliance. Bonding connects metal components so they stay at the same electrical potential. Older homes were sometimes wired without a proper ground conductor, and two-prong outlets are the visible sign of that. We check grounding and bonding during any diagnostic or inspection visit and address gaps as part of the repair.
When is a DIY electrical fix appropriate, and when should I call instead?
Swapping a light bulb or resetting a tripped breaker is straightforward. Beyond that, the risk of getting it wrong goes up quickly. Replacing an outlet, adding a circuit, or working inside the panel involves live conductors, code requirements, and consequences that are not always visible until something fails. If the symptom is a burning smell, a buzzing sound, repeated tripping, or anything involving the panel, call rather than open it up yourself.
Is a permit required for electrical work, and how is that handled?
Permit requirements depend on the scope of the work and where the property is located. Panel upgrades, new circuits, and rewires typically require a permit and inspection. Replacing a device like an outlet or switch often does not. We tell you whether a permit is needed for your job before we schedule anything, and where one is required, the work is checked against code before sign-off.
Call (316) 294-4289 and we will walk through what your job involves, give you a straight answer on what it costs, and get it on the schedule.
(316) 294-4289